Omar Craddock runs on the beach.
(Photo by Steve McConkey)

BY LIZ McCONKEY
For Word News

DES MOINES, Iowa (WordNews.org) June 23, 2013 00 — Omar Craddock, a recent winner of the NCAA Championships in the triple jump, just took first at the USA Track and Field Championships with his personal best of 56 feet 3¼ inches.

Craddock (pictured) quickly gives God the glory for his success. He said he enjoys his sport and is in pray for everybody on the field.

His favorite verse: “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise,” founded in Jeremiah 17:14.

Craddock, a senior at the University of Florida, has a message for young people: “Stay in school. It really opens doors for you. And believe in God.”

Another believer at the USA Track and Field Championships is Will Claye, from Phoenix, Arizona. Clay is a 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the triple-jump. A recent graduate from the University of Florida, his personal best in the triple-jump is 58-1.

However, his latest performance at the USA Track and Field Championships landed him in second-place. When asked about how his performance went, Claye said, “Things weren’t quite clicking on my approach, I know it will come together.”

But Claye turns to God and the Bible for encouragement.

“Have faith in God,” he said. “All things are possible.” His favorite passage in the Bible is Psalm 23.

As for his message to young athletes, Claye said, “Don’t let others dictate to you that you can’t do it. Set your goals. Have faith.”

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